Bronze letters stolen off of Oak Park's Unity Temple

via Chicago Breaking News,

In 1909, Frank Lloyd Wright finished one of his many masterpieces, Unity Temple in Oak Park.

Since then, bronze letters reading “For the worship of God and the service of man” met guests at both entrances, a message from the famous architect about the importance of what was built.

But 101 years later, a thief ripped the words right off the wall.

Officials at Unity Temple are in a state of shock after about 50 bronze letters were stolen from outside the building last week. The letters were apparently pried off the temple, 875 Lake Street, sometime between 10 p.m. Sept. 28 and 9 a.m. Sept. 29. The letters, which are believed to be bronze possibly with other metals, are more than 100 years old.

A friend of mine is a member of a UCC Church not so far away from Unity Temple. It was once the First German Reformed Church of Chicago. They had brand new copper gutters and downspouts installed which was a big mistake. They were ripped off twice before they had the good sense to go plastic.